Cristiano Ronaldo received a hero’s welcome in Hong Kong on Tuesday as he starred for Saudi side Al Nassr in their 2-1 Saudi Super Cup victory over Al Ittihad, featuring French striker Karim Benzema. The 40-year-old Portuguese legend assisted the decisive goal, delighting fans who chanted his name throughout the match.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch in his iconic No. 7 shirt, with cheers erupting every time he touched the ball. Several fans even attempted to storm the pitch to reach him, highlighting the immense adoration he continues to command. This warm reception stood in sharp contrast to Lionel Messi’s infamous no-show at the same stadium last year, when the Argentine stayed on the bench during an Inter Miami friendly, sparking outrage, refund demands, and diplomatic tension after he appeared in Japan shortly after.
Despite nearing the twilight of their careers, both Messi and Ronaldo remain global icons. In Hong Kong, fans camped outside Ronaldo’s hotel, booked rooms to catch glimpses of him, and even celebrated the opening of a museum dedicated to his career. Reports said Ronaldo was moved by the love from younger fans, remarking, “This means more to me than any trophy.”
On the field, Sadio Mane scored the opener for Al Nassr before being sent off following a VAR review. Ronaldo had chances of his own, narrowly missing a free-kick, but eventually created the winner for compatriot Joao Felix. Pitch invasions continued even after the final whistle, with young fans rushing toward Ronaldo, reinforcing his enduring star power in Hong Kong.
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